Blue Ridge Conservancy Renews National Recognition
Accreditation Awarded by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission
Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) achieved land trust accreditation renewal from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance.
“Blue Ridge Conservancy’s accredited status demonstrates our commitment to permanent land conservation that benefits the entire community,” said Charlie Brady, BRC’s Executive Director. “Due largely to our staff’s expertise and professionalism, the Land Trust Accreditation Commission has awarded BRC a renewal of our Certificate of Accreditation. Accreditation is the highest national distinction for land conservancies. It is only awarded to organizations that exemplify standards of excellence, uphold the public trust and ensure conservation achievements are permanently protected.”
Each accredited land trust completes a rigorous review process and joins a network of organizations united by strong ethical practices. This trusted network of land trusts has demonstrated fiscal accountability, strong organizational leadership, sound transactions and lasting stewardship of the lands they conserve. Accreditation is awarded on a 5 year term.
Accredited land trusts display a seal indicating to the public that they meet national standards for excellence, uphold the public trust and ensure that conservation efforts are permanent.
To date, Blue Ridge Conservancy has protected over 20,800 acres in the mountains of northwestern North Carolina. The focus region includes the seven counties of Alleghany, Ashe, Wilkes, Watauga, Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey. These lands contain significant agricultural, cultural, recreational, ecological, and scenic resources. The acres protected include privately-owned land conserved through voluntary conservation easements and land that has been purchased and transferred to public ownership.
BRC has assisted the Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain State Park and Elk Knob State Park in expanding their borders, established Pond Mountain Game Land and is spearheading the Middle Fork Greenway project to connect Blowing Rock to Boone, naturally.
“Blue Ridge Conservancy is again proud to be recognized as a national leader in conservation. It provides assurance that the conservancy operates under the highest standards,” said Brady.
About the Land Trust Accreditation Commission
The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, based in Saratoga Springs, New York, inspires excellence, promotes public trust and ensures permanence in the conservation of open lands by recognizing land trust organizations that meet rigorous quality standards and that strive for continuous improvement. The Commission, established in 2006 as an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, is governed by a volunteer board of diverse land conservation and nonprofit management experts from around the country. More information about the Commission is available at http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/.
About The Land Trust Alliance
Founded in 1982, the Land Trust Alliance is a national land conservation organization that works to save the places people need and love by strengthening land conservation across America. The Alliance represents 1,000 member land trusts supported by more than 200,000 volunteers and 4.6 million members nationwide. The Alliance is based in Washington, D.C., and operates several regional offices. More information about the Alliance is available at http://www.landtrustalliance.org/.